The World Since 1945: An Australian Perspective - MHIS114

This unit is a survey of the chief world developments influencing Australian history from 1945 to the present. Principle interest will focus on: a) Europe from post-war crisis and decline to present day resurgence, with themes of particular interest to Australia including migration, ideological trends, economic integration and decolonisation; b) the United States of America in its period of peak world power, with special attention to the politics and economics of the Cold War era and to the spread of American cultural values; c) East Asia (principally China and Japan) from post-war settlement to economic transformation with special reference to trade ties and accompanying Australian cultural adjustments. This unit will be of great benefit to students and teachers of Australian history and politics, as well as anyone wishing to understand Australia’s current relationship with the wider world. Assessment focuses on the development of one essay constructed through a step-by-step process.